Here's a list from Steve Goff for the exposed players in this year's expansion draft. San Jose (who I compliment on the new black-and-blue uniforms) can select 1 player from each team, for a grand total of 11 players.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2007/11/the_full_expansion_draft_list.html#more
Here's who I would choose:
There is some real quality in the 2007 Expansion draft. Here’s who I would choose in the San Jose expansion draft:
1) Ramon Nunez
2) Ivan Guerrero
3) Conor Casey
4) Ned Grabavoy
5) Dario Sala
6) Greg Vanney
7) Ryan Cochrane
8) Jose Burciaga
9) Kelly Gray
10) Andy Dorman/James Riley
11) Andrew Boyens
Casey Nunez
Guerrero Grabavoy Dorman
Burciaga Vanney Cochrane
Gray
Sala
Bench: Andrew Boyens
I think it's a pretty strong starting 11. Certainly there is more talent there than existed in Salt Lake City and Toronto.
Monday, November 19, 2007
CONCACAF Champions League?
Steve Goff at the Soccer Insider (Washington Post blog) is reporting that there will be a Champions League for CONCACAF countries.
4 groups of 4 teams. There will be group play in the fall, with knockout rounds in the spring.
2 MLS teams automatically qualify: Supporters' Shield winner and MLS Cup winner.
The runner-up in each category enters a qualifying stage for the group phase.
More details soon...
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2007/11/we_are_the_champions_league.html
4 groups of 4 teams. There will be group play in the fall, with knockout rounds in the spring.
2 MLS teams automatically qualify: Supporters' Shield winner and MLS Cup winner.
The runner-up in each category enters a qualifying stage for the group phase.
More details soon...
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2007/11/we_are_the_champions_league.html
Houston wins MLS Cup Final 2-1
Houston beat New England in one of the better Cup finals in recent memory. The final score of 2-1 was a fair result. It took a clean finish from Mr. Dwayne De Rosario and an unbelievable save from Pat Onstad.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Seattle joins MLS in 2009
Today, MLS granted Seattle an expansion franchise beginning in 2009.
As a Portland Timbers fan, my immediate reaction was disdain- and, admittedly, envy. Anybody who was at the Semifinal game against Atlanta knows that Portland’s fans can compete with any in the country for noise, understanding of the game, and passion.
But, after giving the Seattle MLS situation some more thought (and reading numerous blogs about the subject), I will admit that I have mixed feelings.
On one hand, Seattle Sounders is the team I wanted to beat more than any other team in the league and country. However, there is a possibility that the Sounders name will die in USL, with a different incarnation for MLS. Not that this fact matters all that much.
On the other hand, I feel a Pacific Northwest pride that would enable me to cheer for Seattle, so long as it resulted in pummeling Los Angeles, sticking it to New York, or shoving it up D.C.’s – well, you know.
BUT: I will wait with keen anticipation for the day we play Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup.
I understand and respect the view that Timbers fans will never let themselves cheer for any Seattle team. I just can’t help but feel some divided loyalty to our fellow Pacific Northwest brethren. There is more that unites us than divides us, right?
So, at least today, I congratulate Seattle.
I look forward to the date, sometime soon, when Portland joins the MLS ranks, and things go back to normal.
And please! let us have grass at PGE Park.
As a Portland Timbers fan, my immediate reaction was disdain- and, admittedly, envy. Anybody who was at the Semifinal game against Atlanta knows that Portland’s fans can compete with any in the country for noise, understanding of the game, and passion.
But, after giving the Seattle MLS situation some more thought (and reading numerous blogs about the subject), I will admit that I have mixed feelings.
On one hand, Seattle Sounders is the team I wanted to beat more than any other team in the league and country. However, there is a possibility that the Sounders name will die in USL, with a different incarnation for MLS. Not that this fact matters all that much.
On the other hand, I feel a Pacific Northwest pride that would enable me to cheer for Seattle, so long as it resulted in pummeling Los Angeles, sticking it to New York, or shoving it up D.C.’s – well, you know.
BUT: I will wait with keen anticipation for the day we play Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup.
I understand and respect the view that Timbers fans will never let themselves cheer for any Seattle team. I just can’t help but feel some divided loyalty to our fellow Pacific Northwest brethren. There is more that unites us than divides us, right?
So, at least today, I congratulate Seattle.
I look forward to the date, sometime soon, when Portland joins the MLS ranks, and things go back to normal.
And please! let us have grass at PGE Park.
MLS 2007 Best XI
MLS Best XI 2007
GK: Brad Guzan- really came into his own
DEF: Michael Parkhurst
DEF: Eddie Robinson
DEF: Claudio Suarez
MID: Shalrie Joseph
MID: Juan Toja
MID: Sasha Klejstan
MID/FWD: Guillermo Baros Schelleto
MID/FWD: Landon Donovan
FWD: Juan Pablo Angel
FWD: Luciano Emilio
MVP: Juan Pablo Angel
Coach: Preki
GK: Brad Guzan- really came into his own
DEF: Michael Parkhurst
DEF: Eddie Robinson
DEF: Claudio Suarez
MID: Shalrie Joseph
MID: Juan Toja
MID: Sasha Klejstan
MID/FWD: Guillermo Baros Schelleto
MID/FWD: Landon Donovan
FWD: Juan Pablo Angel
FWD: Luciano Emilio
MVP: Juan Pablo Angel
Coach: Preki
Fantasy Football? I OWN a football club: Ebbsfleet United
Fan website agrees club takeoverBy Alex Perry and John Sinnott
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/football/teams/g/gravesend_and_northfleet/7089473.stm
Fans' community website MyFootballClub has agreed a deal to take over Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United.
The 20,000 MyFootballClub members have each paid £35 to provide a £700,000 takeover pot and they will all own an equal share in the club.
In a landmark for English football, members will vote on player selection, transfers and all major decisions.
"We are united in believing this is a great opportunity," Ebbsfleet chairman Jason Botley told BBC Sport.
"This extra finance and support will enable our club to progress."
The deal is expected to be completed in a few weeks after a due diligence process and the website will purchase a 51% controlling stake, while also having the option to buy the club outright in the future.
The takeover is unprecedented in English football, given the website's stated intention of involving the members so radically in the running of the club, particularly with team selection.
"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science" Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish
After the takeover goes through the current board will stay in place, as will manager Liam Daish, although his title will change to head coach.
Daish insisted that he was happy for fans to have an input on team matters.
"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science and luck often plays its part," stated the Ebbsfleet boss.
"During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn't start games. Now they can have their say.
"My job won't change that much. As a club, we'll select the starting 11 players and formation together.
"But just as before, what goes on at the training ground and in the dressing room on the day of the match is down to me.
"It's the supporters' money that finances this club and pays my wages and those of the players.
"So there's a good argument for them having a say in what players they want to see."
Ebbsfleet were formerly Gravesend and Northfleet but the club's name was changed in May in a bid to tap into the regeneration of the area.
They are currently ninth in the Blue Square Premier, six points off a play-off place for entry to the Football League.
And Ebbsfleet's push for a spot in League Two will receive a boost as some of the funds raised by MyFootballClub members will be available in the January transfer window.
MyFootballClub members will be given the option to vote on who the club should buy.
Daish added that he was fully behind the radical model for the club.
"We all agree we need something extra to take us to the next step," he said.
"As a football fan, I think the MyFootballClub idea is fantastic.
"As the coach, I look forward to the challenge of working with thousands of members to produce a winning team.
"My assistant Alan Kimble and myself are 100% committed to making this work."
Since the website's launch in April, 50,000 members have signed up, with 20,000 of those paying the registration fee.
The membership subscription is paid annually so new members can join and become owners at any time, adding to the club's finances.
MyFootballClub was approached by nine clubs and looked into seven of those before opting to take over Ebbsfleet.
The Financial Services Authority has approved the setting up of the MyFootballClub Trust to safeguard members' interests in the eventuality of the club running into financial difficulties.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/football/teams/g/gravesend_and_northfleet/7089473.stm
Fans' community website MyFootballClub has agreed a deal to take over Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United.
The 20,000 MyFootballClub members have each paid £35 to provide a £700,000 takeover pot and they will all own an equal share in the club.
In a landmark for English football, members will vote on player selection, transfers and all major decisions.
"We are united in believing this is a great opportunity," Ebbsfleet chairman Jason Botley told BBC Sport.
"This extra finance and support will enable our club to progress."
The deal is expected to be completed in a few weeks after a due diligence process and the website will purchase a 51% controlling stake, while also having the option to buy the club outright in the future.
The takeover is unprecedented in English football, given the website's stated intention of involving the members so radically in the running of the club, particularly with team selection.
"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science" Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish
After the takeover goes through the current board will stay in place, as will manager Liam Daish, although his title will change to head coach.
Daish insisted that he was happy for fans to have an input on team matters.
"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science and luck often plays its part," stated the Ebbsfleet boss.
"During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn't start games. Now they can have their say.
"My job won't change that much. As a club, we'll select the starting 11 players and formation together.
"But just as before, what goes on at the training ground and in the dressing room on the day of the match is down to me.
"It's the supporters' money that finances this club and pays my wages and those of the players.
"So there's a good argument for them having a say in what players they want to see."
Ebbsfleet were formerly Gravesend and Northfleet but the club's name was changed in May in a bid to tap into the regeneration of the area.
They are currently ninth in the Blue Square Premier, six points off a play-off place for entry to the Football League.
And Ebbsfleet's push for a spot in League Two will receive a boost as some of the funds raised by MyFootballClub members will be available in the January transfer window.
MyFootballClub members will be given the option to vote on who the club should buy.
Daish added that he was fully behind the radical model for the club.
"We all agree we need something extra to take us to the next step," he said.
"As a football fan, I think the MyFootballClub idea is fantastic.
"As the coach, I look forward to the challenge of working with thousands of members to produce a winning team.
"My assistant Alan Kimble and myself are 100% committed to making this work."
Since the website's launch in April, 50,000 members have signed up, with 20,000 of those paying the registration fee.
The membership subscription is paid annually so new members can join and become owners at any time, adding to the club's finances.
MyFootballClub was approached by nine clubs and looked into seven of those before opting to take over Ebbsfleet.
The Financial Services Authority has approved the setting up of the MyFootballClub Trust to safeguard members' interests in the eventuality of the club running into financial difficulties.
Friday, November 2, 2007
I (almost) own part of a football club
MyFootballClub
From the website:
"For the first time in football history, fans have the opportunity to buy and then take control of a professional football club – both on and off the pitch.
Every MyFootballClub member will have an equal say in team selection, player transfers and the running of the club.
Members will own the club through their MyFootballClub Trust, and together they will attempt to guide their football club to success.
Buying the football clubThe most popular club, as voted for by MyFootballClub members, and the one that most closely meets the following criteria, will be purchased:
51% or more of the football club shares can be bought.
There is none, or a manageable debt.
The club has the potential to reach the Premiership.
The size of the stadium and the availability of public transport.
The club is amenable to our approach.
Owning the football clubWhen you pay your membership fee, you will become a member of the MyFootballClub Trust.
Your Trust will purchase a controlling interest in the football club, in effect making you a joint owner of your football club.Your Trust share certificate will be sent to you by e-mail.
The membership fee:
The MyFootballClub membership fee is £35.
£27.50 will go towards purchasing a football club, buying new players and other club expenditure.
£7.50 will go towards the administration of the MyFootballClub Trust and the building and management of the MyFootballClub website.
http://www.myfootballclub.co.uk/
From the website:
"For the first time in football history, fans have the opportunity to buy and then take control of a professional football club – both on and off the pitch.
Every MyFootballClub member will have an equal say in team selection, player transfers and the running of the club.
Members will own the club through their MyFootballClub Trust, and together they will attempt to guide their football club to success.
Buying the football clubThe most popular club, as voted for by MyFootballClub members, and the one that most closely meets the following criteria, will be purchased:
51% or more of the football club shares can be bought.
There is none, or a manageable debt.
The club has the potential to reach the Premiership.
The size of the stadium and the availability of public transport.
The club is amenable to our approach.
Owning the football clubWhen you pay your membership fee, you will become a member of the MyFootballClub Trust.
Your Trust will purchase a controlling interest in the football club, in effect making you a joint owner of your football club.Your Trust share certificate will be sent to you by e-mail.
The membership fee:
The MyFootballClub membership fee is £35.
£27.50 will go towards purchasing a football club, buying new players and other club expenditure.
£7.50 will go towards the administration of the MyFootballClub Trust and the building and management of the MyFootballClub website.
http://www.myfootballclub.co.uk/
Timbers Army Post
I was at this game about 30 feet from where this camera was rolling.
As incredible as the atmosphere was against Vancouver, it was even more pulsating the next weekend against Atlanta in the Semi-finals. I haven't been able to find any videos from the match, yet.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e4WDQELMZvc
As incredible as the atmosphere was against Vancouver, it was even more pulsating the next weekend against Atlanta in the Semi-finals. I haven't been able to find any videos from the match, yet.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=e4WDQELMZvc
Chicago beats D.C. + highlights
What a great start to the MLS playoffs. Chicago ties D.C. 2-2 at RFK, and wins 3-2 on aggregate.
There was an electric atmosphere, created in large part by a rapid and devoted Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles, other D.C. supporters, and a small band of loyal Fire supporters section.
The play on the field was frenetic. Challenges were flying in, and the cream rose to the top. Gomez was able to control some possession for D.C. Blanco and the Fire looked for the lock-opening final pass. Chicago struck first, through a mesmerizing ball by Calen Carr.
I have to give credit to Juan Carlos Osorio and Blanco, because I can't imagine Calen Carr offering such a sublime pass without their ability to instill confidence and set a great example, respectively.
D.C. showed their heart and fought back valiantly. Their fans demanded it. The players gave their all. But a combination of Osorio's tactical decisions (like using youth and pace to compete with D.C.'s superior technical ability on Fred's side) and solid finishing from Chris Rolfe and Chad Barret, led Chicago over D.C. in a major upset.
Congratulations to D.C. for a great season, Emilio's goal-scoring prowess in particular. They are deserved Supporters' Shield winners and League Champions. Good luck in the Champions Cup next year.
And congratulations to Chicago for putting together a trio (including the L.A. game to finish the season) of performances that puts them in a position to qualify for the League Cup final. I can't wait to see what Osorio schemes for the Eastern Conference final against N.Y./New England.
Highlights:
http://web.mlsnet.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=mms%3A//a1503.v115042.c11504.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/11504/v0001/mlbmls.download.akamai.com/11504/2007/open/gp/11/110107_chfdcu_gp_350.wmv&w_id=14747&catCode=mls_game_tv&type=v_free&_mp=1
There was an electric atmosphere, created in large part by a rapid and devoted Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles, other D.C. supporters, and a small band of loyal Fire supporters section.
The play on the field was frenetic. Challenges were flying in, and the cream rose to the top. Gomez was able to control some possession for D.C. Blanco and the Fire looked for the lock-opening final pass. Chicago struck first, through a mesmerizing ball by Calen Carr.
I have to give credit to Juan Carlos Osorio and Blanco, because I can't imagine Calen Carr offering such a sublime pass without their ability to instill confidence and set a great example, respectively.
D.C. showed their heart and fought back valiantly. Their fans demanded it. The players gave their all. But a combination of Osorio's tactical decisions (like using youth and pace to compete with D.C.'s superior technical ability on Fred's side) and solid finishing from Chris Rolfe and Chad Barret, led Chicago over D.C. in a major upset.
Congratulations to D.C. for a great season, Emilio's goal-scoring prowess in particular. They are deserved Supporters' Shield winners and League Champions. Good luck in the Champions Cup next year.
And congratulations to Chicago for putting together a trio (including the L.A. game to finish the season) of performances that puts them in a position to qualify for the League Cup final. I can't wait to see what Osorio schemes for the Eastern Conference final against N.Y./New England.
Highlights:
http://web.mlsnet.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=mms%3A//a1503.v115042.c11504.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/11504/v0001/mlbmls.download.akamai.com/11504/2007/open/gp/11/110107_chfdcu_gp_350.wmv&w_id=14747&catCode=mls_game_tv&type=v_free&_mp=1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
